1498. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if she will review the correspondence (details supplied); if she will provide an update on the current review of the programme in question; if she will outline any plans to expand patient access; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40300/26]

Minister for Health: The purpose of the Review of Access to Cannabis for Medical Use is to provide independent, evidence-informed advice to my Department and I on access to cannabis-based products for medical use in Ireland, including the operation of the Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP) and the Ministerial Licence Scheme, and to make recommendations to inform long-term national policy.

The Group will:

• Review the current operation of the Medical Cannabis Access Programme and the availability of Schedule 2 Cannabis products.
• Examine the appropriateness to expand the range of conditions covered by the programme, where sufficient evidence exists that cannabis may prove beneficial.
• Review the current access to Schedule 1 Cannabis products and the current operation of the ministerial licence.
• Develop a national policy on access to, and the administration of cannabis products that are subject to ministerial licence.

The Review Group is comprised of a range of medical specialists and experts and patient representation.

To support the Review of Access to Cannabis for Medical Use my Department commissioned the Health Research Board (HRB) to undertake an international evidence review as a key input to the process.

The HRB subsequently published its review in 2024, entitled The Efficacy and Safety of Medicinal Cannabis in Adult Populations.

The Review group will consider the evidence included therein and will also engage with relevant expert stakeholders, including patients and/or their families, to inform the Review through consideration of lived experience. Consideration is also being given to including a formal public consultation process as part of the Review.

This will be agreed in collaboration with the Chair and the Review group.